Detroit Lions radio network downgrade from Brandstatter to Brown
By Ash Thompson
The Detroit Lions radio network just fired long time color man Jim Brandstatter. They have hired Lomas Brown as his replacement.
After 31 years, Jim Brandstatter will no longer be the color man for Detroit Lions radio. WJR informed the veteran broadcaster of their decision early Tuesday morning. Brandstatter has been a fixture in Michigan sports for a long time. He was an offensive tackle for the Michigan Wolverines from 1969-71. During his senior year, he was All Big Ten.
Upon graduating, Brandstatter immediately embarked on a broadcasting career. WEYI-TV in the Tri-Cities area was his first stop, but he joined WDIV two years later. He became the host of Michigan Replay in 1980 with coach Bo Schembeckler. The show is now called Inside Michigan Football, and it is co-hosted with Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh. Brandstatter has hosted the show for nearly four decades. Brandstatter has served as the president of the Detroit Sports Broadcasters Association twice. He earned Sportscaster of the Year in Michigan honors in 2004 and 2008.
Brandstatter is still on the radio team for Michigan Wolverines games. He will still be hosting the Inside Michigan Football Coaches Show with Jim Harbaugh as well. There is still shortage of ways for Michigan’s listeners to get their “Brandy” fix.
In a press release, the Lions said: “We sincerely thank Jim for his countless contributions to our team over the years and for the positive impact he’ll make in the football community.” On behalf of the fans I would like to echo that sentiment. I didn’t get to watch the 2008 season. Having someone like Brandstatter, who seems to live and die with the team’s fortunes on the air, helped me get through that horrendous season. I may be biased toward Brandstatter because subconsciously I consider him a comrade with whom I went through some stuff.
Lions legend Lomas Brown will step into the role. Brown was the Lions first round pick in the 1985 draft. He played for four Lions playoff teams, and two NFC North Champion squads. Brown made seven Pro-Bowls. He was first team All-Pro three times and second team another three times during his tenure with the Lions. Brown has spent time working for the NFL network, and ESPN, so he has no shortage of broadcast experience.
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I think this is a downgrade as far as the audio experience goes. I have not been a great fan of Brown’s broadcasting. He is an unnatural sounding speaker.. On paper, however, this looks like an upgrade, and in time it is possible he will grow into the role. Week one of 2018, however, WJR just made their product worse.